An eight-month-old baby has died in Chingola after an alleged traditional procedure involving cutting of tissue beneath the tongue.
Copperbelt Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga says the incident happened on September 22, 2026, around 16:00 hours at Nchanga North General Hospital, and was reported to Chiwempala Police Station on September 23, 2026.
Mr. Hamoonga says police received a report from Chanda Chisulo aged 27 of Chiwempala Compound in Chingola, who reported the death of his son, Moses Chisulo aged eight months and ten days.
He explains that, on September 18, 2026, the child’s mother Naomi Kashala suspected that her child had a condition locally known as “Akalimba” and approached 39-year-old Alice Phiri to examine him, who allegedly confirmed the condition.
On September 21, 2026 around 08:00 hours, the mother took the baby to Ms. Phiri’s residence where the tissue beneath the baby’s tongue was allegedly cut using a razor blade.
He adds that the baby reportedly lost a significant amount of blood and was taken to Chawama Mini Hospital for medical attention, and was later referred to Nchanga North General Hospital where he died.
He says following the report, police have opened a manslaughter docket and arrested Alice Phiri aged 39 and the deceased’s mother Naomi Kashala to assist with investigations.
He says the body of the deceased has been deposited at Nchanga North General Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem to establish the cause of death.
Mr. Hamoonga has urged members of the public to seek appropriate medical attention for children rather than subjecting them to potentially harmful procedures that may endanger their lives.
By Respite Kaoma
